US Transportation Secretary, congressman tour West Sacramento port

The U.S. Transportation Secretary visited the Port of West Sacramento Wednesday, calling it "well-managed."

"I think the investment we have made at this port is as good as anywhere in the country," secretary Ray LaHood said.

LaHood toured the port with Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, as part of a visit to key transportation projects in Thompson's 1st District.

LaHood said the current administration has "paid a lot of attention to ports," adding ports are an "economic engine" and provide jobs.

This includes work on a marine highway route between West Sacramento, Oakland and Stockton. When completed, the project will increase trade and commerce at the port while also decreasing congestion on local roads and highways.

The project will take 350 containers on each trip from the valley to the Port of Oakland, reducing the number of trucks on the highway.

There are "thousands of trucks taken off the highways because of the work that is done (at the port)," Thompson said. "This is, I think, the most environmentally conscious port in the state of California if not in the country."

He said the marine highway project will bring even more vehicles off the road.

"Our project helps alleviate that issue and benefits it in a positive way," said Mike McGowan, Yolo County supervisor and port chairman.

McGowan also mentioned other things the port is doing to be more environmentally sensitive.

"We're focused on bringing in businesses that are green," he said.

This includes a proposed metal recycling program and a wood pellet program to be used as a fuel source for power generation.

McGowan said the programs are environmentally conscious while also making more money for the region.

In addition, McGowan said LaHood's visit gives the Port of West Sacramento an advantage when issues arise and funding is needed. He said it creates a better contact with the transportation secretary.

LaHood's visit is "a great validation for us here in West Sacramento that we're doing the right thing and heading in the right direction," McGowan said.